GRADING:

CONTACT INFO:

Thomas Larose, Ph.D.
tlarose@vsu.edu

Office phone: 524-5188
Office: 216A Harris Hall
Hours: MW 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, or by appointment

SYLLABUS:

Course Description

This course will examine the major developments and changes in graphic art and design from prehistoric times through our current period, with emphasis on the graphics of Europe and post-contact America. It will also explore the philosophies, religions, ideas, and major events that have shaped the graphic arts and cultures of these areas. Using a chronological approach, the graphic arts will be examined to display their roles in the development of the cultures in which they were created, and their influences on successive cultures.

Objectives

Through this course, the student should learn how to:

A. Identify the major characteristics of graphics during each period studied.

B. Identify the major artists and graphic works of each period.

C. Recognize the major cultural movements and ideas, and their effects on graphics.

D. Understand the roles and functions of graphics within society and how they have shaped each other.

Attendance

The lectures of this course emphasize areas related to the development of the arts, such as historical and political events, religious movements, etc., that are not thoroughly covered in the text. Relationships between the visual arts and the other humanities of the period are also examined. Therefore, effective note taking, concentration, and regular attendance is a must to achieve a satisfactory grade. The text serves as a summary of course content, along with providing examples for study.

Attendance is mandatory. Each student may have up to two (2) unexcused absences during the semester. One more than this will result in a reduction of the final grade for the course of ten (10) points, with additional reductions of ten (10) points for each multiple of two (2) more unexcused absences. Tardiness by more than 10 minutes will be considered an unexcused absence. Any tardiness less than 10 minutes will accumulate on a per minute basis up to 30 minutes, where it will be counted as an unexcused absence. Leaving before being excused will be considered an unexcused absence. Sleeping and any disruptive behavior in the class will likewise be considered an unexcused absence. To obtain an excused absence, the instructor must be notified in advance (or, in case of an emergency, as soon as possible) and written proof must be provided. Discretionary meetings (doctor's visits, advisement, employment, etc.) should not be scheduled to conflict with class and will not be considered an excused absence.

Grading

Four regular exams: 20% each (80% total). Each exam will consist of slide identifications, true/false questions, multiple choice, short answer definitions, and a short essay. Dates and content for the exams are listed on the course outline. Make-up exams will not be given after the scheduled date. Exams may only be taken earlier than the scheduled date with permission from the instructor should an excused absence be necessary. Please contact me as soon as possible for any known conflicts.

Essay: 20%. An essay of approximately 1000 words (4 - 5 double-spaced, typed pages at 12 pt.) is due on November 13. For Guidelines for this essay, follow this link. All essays will be returned within a reasonable time, with comments and grade. They may be re-written and re-submitted prior to the final exam if you wish to improve your grade.

No extra credit will be given.

REQUIRED TEXT:

Johanna Drucker and Emily McVarish. Graphic Design History: A Critical Guide. (Pearson Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ: 2009)

SUGGESTED READINGS:

Philip B. Meggs; A History of Graphic Design (fourth edition). (John Wiley & Sons, New York: 2006).

Stephen J. Eskilson. Graphic Design: A New History. (Yale University Press, New Haven: 2007).

Steven Heller and Georgette Balance. Graphic Design History. (Allworth Press, New York: 2001).

H.W. Janson. History of Art (Various Editions). Prentice Hall and Harry Abrams, New York.

Helen Gardner. Art Through the Ages (Various Editions). Harcourt Brace, Fort Worth.

Marilyn Stokstad. Art History, Volume One & Two (Revised Edition). Prentice Hall and Harry Abrams, New York.

SCHEDULE:

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
INFORMATION:

Student Affairs: Services for Students with Disabilities
Campus location: Room 412 Memorial Hall, 1 Hayden St.
Petersburg, VA 23806
Voice/TDD: (804) 524-5061

Academic Adjustments and Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 require Virginia State University to provide academic adjustments or accommodations for students with documented disabilities. Students seeking academic adjustments or accommodations must self-identify with the Coordinator of Services for Students with Disabilities on the appropriate campus. After meeting with the Coordinator, students are encouraged to meet with their instructors to discuss their needs, and If applicable, any lab safety concerns related to their disabilities.

Please note that students who have self-identified through the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities should provide their instructors with an official memo from the Coordinator detailing needed academic adjustments or accommodations. Students who have not self-identified with the appropriate Coordinator should do so.

It is the responsibility of each department chairperson to provide testing sites for students who require isolated areas to complete examinations. If a quiet space is not available, faculty may contact the appropriate Coordinator for assistance. Students who require exam modifications using auxiliary services or aids such as readers, proctors or scribes should make arrangements for those modifications through the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities. A minimum notice of 72 hours prior to the exam, by either the instructor or the student, is requested.

Services for Students with Disabilities

OTHER RESOURCES FOR ART HISTORY:

Art History Subject Guide
(On-line Resources for Art History)

Department of Art and Design

Johnston Memorial Library

more links...

VCU's Anderson Gallery ~ Virginia Museum of Fine Arts ~ National Gallery of Art ~

Metropolitan Museum of Art ~ Chrysler Museum of Art ~ University of Virginia Art Museum ~

Timeline of Art History ~ Museum Stuff ~ Bauhaus Archives ~ Design Observer ~

This site is developed and maintained by Thomas Larose, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Music, Art and Design, Virginia State University, Petersburg, Virginia, USA. Last updated on June 14, 2008. All photographs © Thomas Larose unless otherwise noted. Send comments to tlarose@vsu.edu . Author takes full responsibility for all content. This is a course web site, part of the official Virginia State University site.